By now maybe you’re growing either tired of hearing Christmas Carols…or maybe you’re getting really into them. We often hear them, singing or humming along, without knowing the words – or hearing all of the words – the latter verses which aren’t often sung. One of my favorite carols, after listening to the expansive amount of verses is “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” – which on first listen seemed stupid, silly, and trite. On further reflection speaks volumes to me in terms of Christian faith being about overturning slavery, an alive, active, fierce God who isn’t asleep nor dead, but making all things new.
And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men
Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor does God sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men
Here’s one of my favorite interpretations of the carol by Beta Radio. Click on the PLAY arrow in the center of the image to hear it. If you would like to do an Audio Divina meditation on the carol HERE is a link to how to do so.
In this Advent Season of wonder as we wander towards the moment declared by the ringing of the bells on Christmas Eve/Day, how do you glimpse or suspect that “God is not dead, nor does God sleep?”